Bowers says firing not debatable

SMITHSBURG - Tommy Bowers said he will not discuss the circumstances surrounding his dismissal as the town's police chief during a mayoral debate proposed by Mayor Mildred "Mickey" Myers.

"I'm not going to talk about that. That's going to be talked about in the courts," Bowers said Monday.

Last Thursday, Myers offered to debate Bowers, a mayoral candidate who was fired from his police chief post last August by Myers and the Town Council. She said she would be willing to talk about the dismissal, among other issues "that affect the town."

Bowers said his attorney advised him not to talk about the firing at the debate. He refused to elaborate on the reasons, except to say the matter will be discussed publicly as part of his lawsuit against the town.

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A judge dismissed the suit last December, but an appeal is pending.

Myers issued a written statement that said, in part, "Mr. Bowers as a candidate now has placed himself in the position where the detailed issues surrounding his termination must come forth factually to the people. He can no longer hide behind his attorneys."